Quartertones | Music from the Arab World

The afikra عفكرة Channel
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Quartertones is a music podcast which hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies who play contemporary and modern music, including pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, classical, among other genres. The guests are invited to talk about their work and play their music – whether live or recorded – in three segments. The audience gets a chance to listen to work from across the region and genres that is defining the scene in the region, and understand the music that these musicians and musicologists perform or study.

  1. 5D AGO

    DJ Baloo | MDLBeast & the Future of Saudi Music

    We sit down with Ahmed Alammary (otherwise known as DJ Baloo), the Chief Creative Officer of MDLBeast and a leading music figure and thinker in the region. We discuss the origins of MDLBeast and its goals for transforming the music industry in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. MDLBeast was born from a brief for a three-day music festival in 2019. Since then, it has evolved into a multi-layered music brand with an ethos centered on amplifying music culture across various platforms, including events, venues, record labels, radio channels, and music conferences. Given that Saudi Arabia was previously considered a "music desert" with no industry, music education, rights, or dedicated venues, the organization's involvement is seen as having incubated so much value and accelerating the development of a music industry. The conversation also touches on the dramatic shift in how the international community views Saudi music, moving from initial backlash to a point where artists and management companies are now actively seeking collaboration. This change has fostered a significant regional conversation and is credited with fading stereotypes, with Arabs starting to look at each other differently.   0:00 When Restrictions Fuel Creativity: MDLBeast's Genesis 3:50 The Chief Creative Officer’s Role in Shaping Vision 6:03 Saudi Arabia as a "Music Desert" and the Lack of Infrastructure 10:09 The Building Blocks of a Thriving Music Industry 15:03 The Core Difference Between XP and Soundstorm 18:42 Overcoming Domestic (and International) Backlash 20:35 Creating a Regional "Musical Glue" 22:50 The History of the Underground Saudi Music Scene 27:37 The Economic and Professional Focus of the New Industry 30:30 Artistry and Local Palettes: The Role of Record Labels 33:25 Identifying a Unique "Saudi Sound" 35:35 Beyond Electronic Music: Hip-Hop, Indie, and Heavy Metal 37:45 The 10-Year Vision: Saudi As a Music Destination 40:30 Culture Building Over Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 46:37 Navigating Censorship Through Creativity 51:38 Potholes to Avoid: The Double-Edged Sword of Ambition   Ahmed Alammary aka AlBaloo is the Label Head and DJ at Gabu Records and Chief Creative Officer of MDLBeast, and a leading music figures and thinkers in Saudi Arabia.  Connect with Baloo 👉 https://instagram.com/a_baloo   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉  https://instagram.com/mikey_mu FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Huda Asfour With a Performance by Mohamed Abozekry | Habibi Festival 2025

    Oud player, singer and musician Huda Asfour takes the stage on Habibi Festival's fifth and last night of 2025, performing new tracks she wrote during the genocidal campaign on Gaza, and a track called "From the River to the Sea" which she Wrote as a response to the May 18, 2021 strike in Palestine. The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet also take the stage for a second night this festival.   0:00:00 Huda Asfour Takes the Stage With Her Oud 0:09:48 Asfour Introduces a New Track  0:14:10 Asfour Performs More Tracks From She Wrote During the Genocidal Campaign on Gaza 0:31:37 Asfour Performs a Track She Write "From the River to the Sea" As a Response to the May 18, 2021 Strike in Palestine 0:36:19 The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet Takes the Stage for a Second Night This Festival With New Track "Teach Me" 0:49:47 Mohamed Abozekry Celebrates The Sextet's Last Show in Their US Tour and Introduces the Musicians on Stage 0:51:00 The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet Perform Another New Track: "Still Longing" 0:59:08 More Tracks From the Sextet 1:08:22 "Roh El Fouad" Track from the Latest Album With the Same Name 1:23:38 Performance Continues 2:12:00 afikra Quartertones Takes the Stage for a Conversation with Huda Asfour   Huda Asfour is a Palestinian oud and qanun player, composer, educator, social entrepreneur, and engineer. Born into a musical family, she began her formal musical training at 13, and later studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Gaza and the Edward Said Music Conservatory in Ramallah, where she was mentored. Connect with Huda Asfour 👉 https://instagram.com/hudasmusic Mohamed Abozekry is a Franco-Egyptian musician who entered the Arabic Oud House in Cairo at a very early age and received his teaching from Naseer Shamma. At the age of fifteen, he became the youngest professor of Oud in the Arab world. He formed several groups, including the Mohamed Abozekry Sextet and received the first prize at the international Oud competition in Damascus in 2009. In 2010 he formed the quartet Heejaz which also includes Guillaume Hogan (guitar), Anne Laure Bourget (percussion) and Hugo Reydet (double bass).  Connect with  Mohamed Abozekry 👉 https://instagram.com/m.abozekry   Hosted by Hiba Al-Ashtal FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2h 24m

  3. 12/03/2025

    Mai Elgizouli With a Special Appearance by Alsarah & Performance by Rasha Nahas | Habibi Festival 2025

    On the fourth night of Habibi Festival 2025, Sudanese artist Mai Elgizouli takes the stage with a dynamic, deeply emotional first "serious" show in New York performing a set of acoustic songs that explore themes of sadness, power, and hope, including a deeply personal tribute to her late brother and the strong women of Sudan. She follows with a nuanced and candid conversation with afikra Quarertones, joined by celebrated Sudanese musician Alsarah. They discuss their long-standing friendship and artistic collaboration and delve into May’s journey from visual artist to musician, the unexpected amount of work required for a professional set, and the immense privilege of having a family that provides a space for emotional and artistic expression in a place like Sudan. They also reflect on how being in New York and witnessing the current war has impacted Mai’s work, concluding with a powerful message for the audience: to simply feel their feelings. Palestinian musician Rasha Nahas also takes the stage for a second night in this year's festival.   0:00 Mai Elgizouli Performs a Tribute to Her Brother: "Ba'eed 'an Al Ahzan" (Far From Sorrows) 4:40 Performing "Ramadi" (Gray) 10:47 Mai Introduces Her Band & Performs "Al Gawiyya": a Song for Strong Women & the Sudanese Revolution 17:20 Performing "Bi Darbi Ma Bamshi" (Never Down That Path Again)  23:34 Performing "Shabah" (Ghost) 29:32 Performing "Al Furaq": the First Song She Wrote 37:06 Rasha Nahas Takes the Stage for a Second Night 43:57 Rasha Nahas Introduces the Band & Performs "Desert" From Her First Album 50:09 Rasha Nahas Performs "The Clown" 56:46 Rasha Nahas Performs "Nbeed" (Wine) 1:02:24 Rasha Nahas Performs an Unreleased New Song "Khalas" From an Album Which Will be Out Next Year 1:07:13 Rasha Nahas Performs Her Latest Single "Ghanneeli" (A Song Written During the Genocide in Gaza) 1:14:00 Rasha Nahas Performs Another Unreleased Song: "Once Upon a Time in Palestine" 1:24:20 afikra Quartertones Invites Mai Elgizouli and Special Guest Alsarah on Stage 1:26:05 Alsarah’s Obsession and Mai’s Artistic Mastery 1:29:13 Mai’s First "Serious Show" in New York 1:30:58 Family Support & Surviving Trauma in Sudan 1:33:36 Art, Critique & Dealing With War While in New York 1:37:37 The Message: Feel Your Feelings   Mai Elgizouli is an award-winning film director and multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Omdurman, Khartoum in a family of artists. Her music carries the tenderness of Sudanese Arabic and the nostalgic pulse of Sudan's 1980s sound. Connect with Mai Elgizouli 👉 https://instagram.com/mai_egizouli   Hosted by Suzanne Gaber 👉  https://instagram.com/suzannegaber FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 39m

  4. 11/26/2025

    Maryam Turkey and Mohamed Abozekry | Habibi Festival 2025

    Day 3 at Habibi Festival 2025 brings two boundary-pushing Arab artists: Iraqi-American visual artist-turned-musician Maryam Turkey and Egyptian oud player Mohamed Abozekry. They discuss their artistic journeys, creative transitions, and their unique collaborative processes. Turkey details her move into music in New York, where she found a more playful and collaborative creative space. She discusses her new album, which innovatively revives classical Arabic themes of love and lust by repurposing lyrics from forgotten Iraqi folk music. Abozekry reflects on his rapid musical development starting with Naseer Shamma at Arabic Oud House. He shares the challenges and rewards of evolving from a strictly instrumentalist role to embracing singing and composition, which has allowed for a new phase of creative fun and experimentation in his work. The artists share their conceptual themes, from Turkey's exploration of inspiration and freedom in "Ahlam" to Abozekry's method of refining new compositions through touring.    0:00:00 Performance by Maryam Turkey and Band 0:36:23 afikra Quartertones Invites the Two Musicians on Stage for a Conversation 0:37:24 Maryam Turkey's Childhood in Iraq & Transition from Visual Art to Music  0:39:39 Mohamed Abozekry's Journey with the Oud 0:42:13 The Joy of Creative Collaboration 0:45:26 Maryam's Latest Album: Reusing Iraqi Folk Lyrics 0:48:17 Mohamed's Roh El Fouad Album & Using Touring To Try New Arrangements 0:49:36 Maryam's Ahlam: Conceptual Themes, Freedom & Lust 0:52:20 The Mohamed Abozekry Sextet Takes the Stage 2:07:35 afikra Quartertones Invites the Two Musicians on Stage   Mohamed Abozekry is a Franco-Egyptian musician who entered the Arabic Oud House in Cairo at a very early age and received his teaching from Naseer Shamma. At the age of fifteen, he became the youngest professor of Oud in the Arab world. He formed several groups, including the Mohamed Abozekry Sextet and received the first prize at the international Oud competition in Damascus in 2009. In 2010 he formed the quartet Heejaz which also includes Guillaume Hogan (guitar), Anne Laure Bourget (percussion) and Hugo Reydet (double bass).  Connect with  Mohamed Abozekry 👉 https://instagram.com/m.abozekry Maryam Turkey is an Iraqi-American artist and designer based in Brooklyn, New York. In 2009, she moved with her family as refugees to the United States, where she attended Baltimore School for the Arts high school and learned traditional painting. She continued her art and design education at Pratt Institute, where she earned her Bachelor of Industrial Design in 2017. Shortly after graduation, Turkey was awarded an art residency at Domaine de Boisbuchet where she was mentored by Sabine Marcelis. Turkey’s sculptural practice began then. In 2019 she was awarded an art residency at the Museum of Art and Design, where she developed her ongoing paper clay techniques. She has recently made a transition to a career in music as a singer-songwriter.  Connect with Maryam Turkey 👉 https://instagram.com/maryamturkey   Hosted by Daleelah Saleh   Egyptian-American multi-hyphenate creative, passionate about storytelling at the intersections of culture, activism, and media. Connect with Daleelah Saleh 👉  https://instagram.com/medialeelah FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2h 23m

  5. 11/19/2025

    Rasha Nahas With a Performance by Maii Waleed | Habibi Festival 2025

    Experience day two of the fifth edition of Habibi Festival, hosted at Joe’s Pub in Brooklyn. The evening begins with the festival co-founders, Yacine Boulares and Meera Dugal, welcoming the audience and reflecting on the festival’s mission of celebrating the living, breathing music, culture, and traditions of the Arab region and actively combating their "museumification." The night features contemporary Egyptian artist Maii Waleed in her second appearance this year, joined by a New York-based band, followed by the critically acclaimed Palestinian rock star, composer, and guitarist Rasha Nahas. Following her powerful performance, Nahas sits down with afikra for a Q&A discussing the impact of the last two years on her creative process, her upcoming bilingual album, and how her multi-generational family history and connection to the land directly influence her music, especially in her unreleased track, "Once Upon a Time in Palestine."   0:00 Welcome to Day 2 of the 5th Habibi Festival at Joe's Pub 0:49 The Mission: Combating the "Museumification" of Arab Culture 1:35 Habibi Festival's Partnership with Celebrate Brooklyn and afikra 3:48 Maii Waleed Takes the Stage with Her All-American Band  12:45 Maii Waleed Performs "Neptune" (On Losing Hope and Silver Lining) 21:04 Maii Waleed Performs "Louloua"  25:22 Maii Waleed Performs "Ehdefini" (Throw Me Out of This System) 30:06 Maii Waleed Performs Her Last Two Tracks  39:53 Rasha Nahas Takes the Stage: How to Survive Whole as a Victim 47:17 Rasha Nahas Performs "Desert" From her Debut Record 52:19 Shukran and Invitation to Dance/Cry 56:34 Rasha Nahas Performs "War" 59:36 Rasha Nahas Performs "Nbeed" (Wine) 1:04:19 Rasha Nahas Performs a New, Unreleased Song 1:09:26 Rasha Nahas Performs "Ghanneeli" (Latest Single) 1:16:39 Rasha Nahas Performs "Once Upon a Time in Palestine" (Unreleased) 1:24:41 Rasha Nahas Performs "The Skies Don't Care" (First Song Written at 17, in Jerusalem) 1:31:06 afikra Quartertones Interviews Rasha Nahas on Stage 1:33:18 Discussing the New Bilingual Album and its Themes 1:34:04 The Multi-Generational Trauma and Shared Story of Palestinians 1:35:46 The Indigenous Connection to Land is Not a Cliché 1:36:40 Rasha Nahas on How the Last Two Years Shattered the Soul and Influenced Art 1:39:41 The Influence of Berlin's Weimar Era Cabaret on Her Music 1:42:30 Recording the Amrat Album in the Occupied Golan Heights 1:44:41 Life in New York City and the New Energy of Her Local Band 1:46:00 Future Goals: Community, Family, Health, and Releasing Soulful Music   Maii Waleed is a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist born and raised in Alexandria. She was once a part of Telepoetic, an Electro-Rock Egyptian band performing their first gig on 100live music festival for electronic arts. She dropped her first album, Moga, in 2013 which was produced with Zeid Hamdan. Over the years Maii had collaborated with various artists in her community as well as internationally. In the year 2015 she released tracks with Jordanian electronica trio Zaed Naes. That was later followed by a couple of EPs with Zeid Hamdan within the umbrella of their collaboration project Maii and Zeid.  Connect with Maii Waleed 👉 https://instagram.com/maiiwaleeed Rasha Nahas is a multifaceted Palestinian artist known for her distinctive approach to songwriting, storytelling, and performance. A singer, composer, actress, and instrumentalist, she has a unique sound that is rooted in her early training in classical guitar and her formative years in Haifa's underground music scene. Her genre-defying style weaves the traditional and popular music influences of her homeland with the raw intensity of electric rock. Her 2021 debut album Desert chronicled her journey from Haifa to Berlin. Her second album, Amrat, was released in 2023 via UK label Cooking Vinyl, marking her first foray into Arabic language lyrics, exploring the thematic duality of urban and rural life. Recorded at 67 Studio in the occupied Golan Heights and featuring contributions from leading lights of Palestine's indie scene, its success secured tours across Europe, South America, the UK and West Asia. Connect with Rasha Nahas 👉 https://instagram.com/rasha_nahas   Hosted by Tarik Zahr Tarik Zahr is a afikra ambassador, born in Lebanon, raised in the UAE and currently in the US, getting his PhD at Columbia University in Molecular Pharmacology. He works in the Medical Campus' Diabetes Center focusing on fatty liver disease and cholesterol metabolism. He has a huge interest in Arab and SWANA history, food, and music, and is curious about his Druze faith. Connect with Tarik Zahr 👉 https://instagram.com/adventuresoftartarsauce   FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 48m

  6. 11/12/2025

    Layale Chaker With a Performance by Maii Waleed | Habibi Festival 2025

    Habibi Festival is back for a fifth year with performances and talks on stage hosted by afikra, which we'll be releasing on our Quartertones series. Day 1 opens with a solo performance by Maii Waleed, an artist from Alexandria, Egypt, in her debut at Joe's Pub. She sings tracks from her previous EP, including "Neptune" and "Sama", and "Fashi" from her upcoming EP.  Then violinist Layale Chaker takes the stage with her quintet, including a pianist, a drummer, a cellist and a double-bassist. She opened her set with a piece called "Anatomie of Titus – Fall of Rome". She discussed her album "Radio Afloat", which explores the sacred relationship between people and their land, and the grief and reverence that many Arab artists feel—especially in the diaspora—for this connection. She also mentioned her album "Inner Rhyme" inspired by the 12 meters in classical Arabic poetry. She shared that music, especially instrumental music, serves as a wordless art of suggestion, allowing listeners to attribute their own emotions to it. Chaker also performed a piece called "Southern Sky", inspired by a childhood memory of her village in southern Lebanon, near the border, and the starry nights she experienced there. Her final pieces were "Ocean to Ocean" which was inspired by a long poem by Ounsi el-Hajj, and "Nocturnal Backburn" that talks about native plants regrowing after a controlled fire. The performance is followed by a Q&A with Layale Chaker who explains that the violin was an instrument her mother chose for her, but one that has become an extension of herself.  Every year Habibi Festival takes listeners on a journey of the sounds wafting through the airwaves and living rooms of cities spanning Marrakech to Baghdad. This performing arts festival is a collaboration between the Director of Joe's Pub Alex Knowlton, artist/composer/curator Yacine Boulares, and curator/producer Meera Dugal who are bonded by the goal of creating more joyful spaces for performance, conversation, and storytelling from this part of the world. Explore Habibi Festival 👉 https://www.instagram.com/habibifestival/?hl=en   0:00 Welcome to Habibi Festival 2025 14:02 Honoring Artists and Their Courage 18:00 Maii Waleed's Joe's Pub Debut 26:13 "Neptune": A Song of Hope 31:19 "Sama": Believing the Sky is Open 43:24 Layale Chaker Performs: Music as a Witness to Resistance 1:02:22 "Southern Sky": A Lebanese Memory 1:35:19 "Ocean to Ocean" and "Nocturnal Backburn" 1:45:25 afikra Q&A With Layale Chaker 1:47:01 Layale's Inspiration: Arabic Poetry and "Inner Rhyme" 1:50:01 "Radio Afloat": People, Land, and Collective Grief 1:52:16 The Wordless Art of Instrumental Music 1:54:10 Her Story With the Violin   Composer and violinist Layale Chaker was raised in Lebanon and is renowned for her beguiling and complex sound that masterfully intersects classical contemporary music, jazz, Arabic music, and improvisation, treating art as a vital crossroads where ancestral and contemporary voices meet. An award-winning artist and Jerome Hill Fellow, Layale released a double portrait album in 2024 on In a Circle Records: Vigil (featuring her classical works with the ETHEL Quartet) and Radio Afloat (with her chamber jazz quintet, Sarafand). These works reflect on the intertwined destinies of people and the natural world, building upon the success of her highly-praised 2019 debut album, Inner Rhyme.  Connect with Layale Chaker 👉 https://instagram.com/layalechaker Maii Waleed is a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist born and raised in Alexandria. She was once a part of Telepoetic, an Electro-Rock Egyptian band performing their first gig on 100live music festival for electronic arts. She dropped her first album, Moga, in 2013 which was produced with Zeid Hamdan.  Connect with Maii Waleed 👉 https://instagram.com/maiiwaleeed   Hosted by Helena Reyad 👉 https://instagram.com/helanareyad   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊  https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 56m

  7. 09/17/2025

    On the 78-Stringed Instrument | Syrian Qanun Player Maya Youssef

    Musician and composer Maya Youssef takes us on her unique journey with the qanun. Currently based in London, Maya delves into her early musical upbringing in Damascus to challenging traditional perceptions of the 78-stringed Instrument and developing her own innovative approach to composition and teaching. She discusses the profound connection between the qanun and human emotion, and how music became a form of prayer and healing during personal and global turmoil. Maya also delves into the intricacies of Arabic music theory, improvisation, and the importance of embodying music.   0:00 The Expressive Power of the Qanun 0:05 Composing During Wartime: Music as Prayer 0:27 Discovering the Qanun and Defying Expectations 2:00 Musical Upbringing in Damascus 4:04 Early Music Education and Discipline 5:37 The Qanun's Call and a Taxi Driver's Challenge 9:00 Critiquing Traditional Qanun Education 11:59 The Struggle with Improvisation (Taqasim) 15:39 An Illuminating Experience in Aleppo 18:45 Unlearning Theory and Embracing Organic Learning 22:59 Demonstrating Maqam Switches 24:42 Foundational Maqamat and Their Evolution 29:08 Composing "Queen of the Night" 33:37 The Songwriting Process: Music as Healing 38:00 The Emotional Spectrum of the Qanun 40:46 "Samai of Trees" and Orchestral Collaborations 44:51 Unintentional Influences  49:10 Collaboration with Musicians and Sheet Music 51:54 The Qanun's Role and Limitations 53:20 The "Qanun Goats" 54:50 The Search for the Best Qanun Maker 56:05 Connecting with Maya Youssef   Maya Youssef is a qanun player and composer from Damascus now based in the UK. Her music is rooted in the Arabic classical tradition but forges pathways into jazz, Western classical and Latin styles. It explores the emotional and healing qualities of music. Her debut album Syrian Dreams, produced by Joe Boyd, was highly-acclaimed in music press around the world and has led to many awards, performances on prestigious stages. She describes her highest honor to be naming the Year 6 class of Dalmain Primary School in London "Youssef" in recognition of her inspirational work. Connect with Maya Youssef 👉 https://instagram.com/mayayoussefmusic   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊  https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min

  8. 08/20/2025

    Decoding Empires: Akala on Hip Hop & South-South Solidarity

    Rapper, writer, and thought leader Akala joins us on Quartertones live at Sole DXB to talk about his early career steps in London, the city's unique blends due to its history, and his drive to connect with diverse audiences. He shares insights into the impact of colonialism and the importance of embracing shared cultural heritage from Shakespeare to his Jamaican influences. We discuss the significance of South-South solidarity and the changing nature of global power dynamics. Akala reflects on the complexities of identity, privilege, and the evolving cultural landscape in Europe.  This episode was recorded live on the Sole DXB stage in Dubai on December 15, 2024.    00:00 Introduction  01:31 Akala's Early Career and Diverse Influences 02:07 Growing Up in Multicultural London 04:30 The Impact of Shared Struggles 07:27 Exploring Shakespeare and Cultural Ownership 13:16 Challenging Bias and Assumptions 15:28 Embracing Diverse Cultural Influences 16:43 The Unique Perspective of UK Hip Hop 19:35 Navigating Success and Global Perspectives 20:02 South-South Solidarity and Global Power Dynamics 20:51 The Complexity of Human Relationships 22:16 Class and Community: A Personal Reflection 23:36 Global Inequality and Historical Context 27:10 The Future of Global Relations 30:34 Concluding Thoughts on Privilege and Luck   Born Kingslee James McLean Daley in the UK, Akala is a British rapper, writer and activist. His stepfather was a stage manager at the Hackney Empire theatre, and he often visited it before his teens. His older sister is none other than rapper Ms. Dynamite (Niomi Arleen). In 2006, he released his debut album, It's Not a Rumour, which featured the single "Shakespeare" and earned him a hip hop award at the MOBO Awards. The following year, he released a second album, Freedom Lasso, which featured the track "Comedy Tragedy History," also inspired by Shakespeare. Akala's third album, DoubleThink , was released in 2010, followed by a mixtape titled Knowledge Is Power in 2012, and a fourth album, The Thieves Banquet in 2013. He has been included on the annual Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black British people in the UK, most recently making the 2021 edition.  Connect with Akala 👉 https://instagram.com/akalamusic   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu Explore Sole DXB 👉 https://www.instagram.com/soledxb/   Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE QUARTERTONES PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-quartertones/id1646407556» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26VHvC6yVOxlRFjeOts6uf» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1044639452THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl7FiLcdH_iSgv4RiXEy4GAhABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

    32 min
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About

Quartertones is a music podcast which hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies who play contemporary and modern music, including pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, classical, among other genres. The guests are invited to talk about their work and play their music – whether live or recorded – in three segments. The audience gets a chance to listen to work from across the region and genres that is defining the scene in the region, and understand the music that these musicians and musicologists perform or study.

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